Thesis statementDue to the continuous political instability and recurring military interventions in decision making, Pakistan is far from witnessing a healthy and democratic political system in the near future. Introduction

On the international scene, states have been struggling to obtain their independence and sovereignty. But the biggest threat that arises after accomplishing independence is the way the government rules, the standards it follows and the goals it sets. This is when a new journey begins where the government searches for the best system that suits the country and satisfies the different sections of its population. Most of the states adopt democracy to be the dominant process in politics. But each state has its own definition for democracy or applies democracy in its own way. One of the states that still struggle today to find its own peace and stability is Pakistan, which was site for different cultures . Historically, Pakistan encountered waves of conquerors that resided in the region, and who influenced the residents of that area and were also absorbed among them, till the independence of Pakistan that was established on August 14, 1947 . This paper will be studying the development of democracy in Pakistan, highlighting the major historical events the state has undergone, starting with the instability the country has and is still witnessing, moving to the succession of different leaders and their attempts to modify the state to suit their interests and stressing on the existence and evolution of democracy and its role in shaping the country internally and internationally.

Political instability in Pakistan and the succession of different leaders

Ever since Pakistan took its independence, stability was never the case of the state. Martial Law prevailed for long periods in Pakistan during instable situations. This system takes place whenever the military takes control over the state and it diminishes the rights of the citizens and poses severe and harsh punishments or penalties than ordinary law . This law is enforced in Pakistan after a coup d’etat and poses a threat for the freedoms of citizens and to democracy as well. During the instable history of Pakistan, different parties were fighting for power and elections were rarely the adopted solutions to solve the conflict. For example, whenever tensions increased between the government and opposition, the president would declare the abrogation of the constitution and a situation of emergency would govern the country; ministers would be considered dismissed, assemblies dissolved and political activities banned : under such circumstances, in 1958 General Ayub Khan ousted President Iskandar Mirza. Another example that shows the absence of a democratic and fair electoral system in Pakistan where people could choose their representatives is when in 1977 Zulkifar Ali Bhutto moved forward the elections in order to prevent the opposition from making the necessary arrangements and preparing themselves to participate in the forthcoming elections . This is when nine important parties formed a coalition under the name of Pakistan National Alliance (P.N.A.) and the alliance started enjoying wide popular support. But the elections shocked everyone when Bhutto’s party won most of the seats and there were reports circulating that armed members of the Pakistan Peoples Party (P.P.P., or the party supporting Bhutto) removed ballot boxes in addition to marking ballot papers during the elections. When we talk about elections, we expect that the succession of power from a political leader to another will take place smoothly and fairly especially under the conditions of clean and well arranged elections during which each citizen would be allowed to choose freely his representative in the government to be. But in Pakistan, things are run differently and ousting the president and taking over by force has been a common trend adopted by different political leaders or...

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...Democracy:-Government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system.
Background:-
Pakistan got Independence in 1947 and appeared on the world map as a Islamic Republic State. To get independent state idea was entirely based on to form the Islamic society so that its people can spend their lives in the light of Islamic principles and they can orientate the future polity, economy and mode of governance of the country.
It was a matter of grave misfortune that soon after independence we lost Quaid-e-Azam founder of Pakistan who was perhaps the only one capable leader who knew the means of true democracy, after him the nation fell into the hands of feudals and until now they are holding it due to that democracy is a blessing unknown to the people of the part of this world. After him first decade was completely unrest with political instability as many as seven prime ministers resigned or some of them were ousted. Soon After independence Liaqat Ali Khan became first prime Minister of Pakistan. He was also called the right hand of Quiad-e-Azam, the leader of Muslim League and first governor general of Pakistan. Liaqat Ali Khan had played Vital role in the independence of India And Pakistan, he also established ground work...

...GOVERNANCE AND DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN:
WEAKNESSES, STRENGTHS AND PROSPECTS
Abstract
Pakistan had no worthwhile civil society and hardly any middle class in 1947 due to rampant illiteracy and absence of an independent media. The masses were poor, the country was described an “economic desert” and there was an unprecedented influx of refugees. The country lacked the necessary infrastructure and institutions. The capability to develop them was lacking. The external and internal threats to the security of the country turned it into a security state. Weak political leadership created space for civil-military bureaucracy. This led to the cut-off periods in democratic governance, which was derailed thrice in 1958, 1977 and 1999. At present, the country is partially developed, the middle class is growing and civil society is assertive; a vibrant media has come up, and majority of the population is literate. There is an overall urge for peace. The people have demonstrated their preference for constitutional government and the rule of law, and to have an independent judiciary to strengthen democratic governance.
Introduction
Democratic governance implies a system of government in which all the people of a country can vote to elect their representatives, who in turn govern the country in the light of the mandate given to them by the people. Pakistan and India emerged as independent democratic nation-states in...

...﻿DEMOCRACY
OUTLINES:
- Introduction
- Importance of democracy
- Historical Overview
- Why democracy is flop in Pakistan
- Remedial measures
-Conclusion
INTRODUCTION:
Democracy is the most essential and fundamental element for managing the affairs of society systematically. Democracy and participatory governance are popular political patterns in the modern world. In a broader sensedemocracy encompasses the leading features; fair and free election process, supremacy of the constitution, the rule of law, and freedom for the people. In other words democratic state must practice the principles of equal citizenship irrespective of religion, caste, ethnicity and regional background. It must also ensure equality of opportunity to all for advancement in social, political and economic domains and guarantee security of life and property to its citizens.
IMPORTANCE OF DEMOCRACY:
It is fact that democracy is the major constituent for social, political and economic development. It is considered as the backbone of the system, without which an effective running of system is impossible. The crucial importance of democracy can be observed by the experience of East Asian countries. Between 1965 and 1990, several countries of this region registered the highest growth rate and proved it with high...

...Failure of Democracy in PakistanDemocracy is a form of government in which supremacy of power is vested in the people of the voters collectively, and it is administered by them or the officers appointed by them. according to Chambers Dictionary it also means a state of society characterized by recognition of equality of right and privileges political, social and legal equality. The most accepted definition ofdemocracy is Government of the people, for the people, and by the people (Abraham Lincoln).
Liberty, equality and fraternity are the helpmates of modern democratic political creed. Irrespective of religious belief , clime and country democracy has become a watchword and political philosophy in the free world, as opposed to dictatorship and despotic rule.
Scene its inception, the most difficult challenge Pakistan has struggled to meet has been to establish a true democratic system, which could guarantee its survival, stability and development. Unfortunately, the plant of democracy in Pakistan has not taken its roots deep enough to make the country “a durable democratic state”, despite this fact that Pakistan blossomed in the soil of democracy. Pakistan was conceived on the basis of Islam, which is democratic both in letter and spirit. It is indeed very...

...Problems of democracy in Pakistan
Written by Lal Khan in Lahore Tuesday, 22 December 2009
After years of military dictatorships followed by sham democracy, the situation in Pakistan has reached such a point that the masses are yearning for radical change. Their suffering is immense as the people at the top continue to enrich themselves at the expensive of the workers and peasants, collaborating with imperialism as it rides rough-shod over the people of Pakistan. Everything is moving to an inevitable revolutionary explosion. Pakistan’s Supreme Court in its verdict of 16 December, 2009 declared the notorious NRO null and void ab initio. The National Reconciliation Ordinance of October 2007 was promulgated by the then President of Pakistan General Parvaiz Musharraf. It was the outcome of a deal he had struck with Benazir Bhutto, life Chairperson of the Pakistan People’s Party in a covert meeting in Abu Dhabi. The deal was brokered by the United States and Britain. The aim was to create a new setup that could facilitate the imperialist war and other interests in this turbulent region. According to this ordinance all cases of politicians including corruption, murder, extortion, kidnappings and other heinous crimes would be withdrawn. Some of the major beneficiaries are now in power including Benazir’s widower Zardari, now the President of Pakistan and some of his...

...Pakistan has been facing political crisis from its birth (1947) till now. From 1947 to 2010,
In this long period many government changed but unfortunality they all could not
Maintain the political environment stable, after ruling 1, 2 or three year that governments politically instable. Political instability is a situation when the uncertainty among the government structure expand due to some basic causes and it eventually end up the current government1.We all know when a ruling party faces this sort of uncertainty so they do not do well for the public. They become unable to make polices for the development of the country. The internal matter gradually become uncontroll.law and order situation also become worse. The opposition parties take the advantage of this situation. They lead the public and compel them for strikes and all these things. eventually the governing government have to leave, if they don’t then then there is big possibility that a dictator take the hold and all the development ,internal ,foreign policies is stopped .this is what happening in our country. And after completing 60 year we still could not find our destination and even direction. If we see the political history then we have four
Personalities who were military president, we also call them dictator.
General Ayub Khan, who was president during 1958–69
Yahya Khan (1969–71) he had to deal...

...Top Political Parties in PakistanPakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians
The Pakistan People’s Party was founded in 1967 by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who was its first chairman and afterwards also became the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The PPP at present holds 126 seats in the National Assembly and 27 seats in the Senate.
Pakistan Muslim League (N)
It is the second biggest party in Parliament. It is a much conventional party that has been led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. With the assistance and support of Hameed Gul, it won the election in 1990. Presently it has 90 seats in the National Assembly and 7 seats in the Senate.
Pakistan Muslim League (Q)
This party is officially called the Pakistan Muslim League Quaid e Azam. It was a great supporter of former President Pervez Musharraf. PML (Q) is a one of the centrist conservative party that builds up the opposition. It is the 3rd major party after PPP and PML(N) in parliament and presently having 53 seats in the National Assembly and 21 seats in the Senate
Muttahida Qaumi Movement
This party is renowned for holding huge mobilizing strength in province of Sindh. The All Pakistan Muhajir Student Organization (APMSO), was established in 1978 by Altaf Hussain which afterwards became the cause of establishing Muhajir Quami Movement in 1984. The association maintains broadminded and...

...recurring military coups, instable democracy, crippled economy, fragile judiciary and social stagnation due to brain dead politicians, ear jammed bureaucracy, egoistical feudal, religious war lords, profit oriented industrialists power hunger generals, and illiterate masses.
The list of failures surpasses the achievements. Rule of law, an independent judiciary, respect for fundamental rights, free media, merit-based procedures, and questioning masses are some of the essential features of democracy. Unfortunately, these basic rules have openly violate since independence.
Regimes of Conflicts since independence:1947-56 Absence of constitution, rise of regionalism in Bengal, no strong political party, first 9 years and 11 prime ministers, 1955 dissolution of constitution assembly and Black Doctrine of Necessity.
1956-58: First parliamentary constitution, abrogation of constitution and Martial Law.
1958-69: Ayub’s Martial Law, Presidential System and 1962 constitution, making of Muslim League (Conventional) system of basic democracies, media censorship, but also better economic growth.
1970-77: Fascist civilian rule under Bhutto, agreed 73 constitutions, Bhutto tried to oust military from politics but failed, the poor friendly regime but negative effects of nationalization, Pakistan National Alliance (PNA) and movement against Bhutto derailed democracy. Opposition invited Zia to...

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